Did you know that silica is the second most abundant element on earth and the third most abundant trace element in the body? Indeed, silica is essential to human health and a component of human ligaments, cartilage, and musculature, as well as forms structural components of bone and connective tissue, such as collagen (think skin health!)

Given the popularity of silica, it should come as no surprise that there are a wide variety of supplements to choose from – from different sources, and in a range of forms and formats such as liquids, tablets, and capsules. Some silica supplements feature solely silica, while others are blends of multiple ingredients formulated to support hair, skin and nails, bone health, or joint and cartilage disorders. With such a wide array of options, it can be hard to select which is best for your needs. Below are four of the best silica supplements on the market, each with its distinct attributes.

Naka Silicea Gel

Hubner liquid Silicea is Europe’s number one supplement for beautiful healthy hair, strong nails and bones, and youthful-looking skin. It is a silica supplement derived from quartz crystals, providing 196 mg of Silicic Acid per 15ml (1 tablespoon). The supplement features silica suspended in a liquid colloidal preparation in which microscopic particles of silica are so finely distributed in water that a gel is formed. This makes Hubner Silicea far easier to absorb.

A healthy, firm connective tissue is required for taut skin, strong hair, and firm fingernails, and Hubner liquid Silicea does just that. This explains why the product has long been used for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and nails. It can be used externally for wrinkles, acne, and blemishes or internally to help stimulate collagen production and retention and encourage skin elasticity.

Flora Florasil®

Florasil by Flora is another excellent silica supplement featuring an Organic Plant Source of trace minerals. It is a highly absorbable formula that has long been prized for its ability to restore natural beauty quickly and effectively by providing key nutrients to skin, bones, hair, and nails.

Florasil is a water-soluble form of silica, sourced from the Spring horsetail plant (so is suitable for vegetarians and vegans), using a proprietary extraction process that uses water instead of chemicals. This preserves silica’s natural composition, notably its bioflavonoid content, ensuring the highest bioavailability and assimilation by the body. This process also ensures the retention of calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, boron, iron, and phosphorus. Florasil vegetarian capsules each supply 410 mg of Spring horsetail extract, which contains 10mg of silica, providing 4.7 mg of elemental silicon. Last but certainly not least, Florasil is an extremely “clean and green” supplement that is completely free of artificial additives and preservatives.

Biosil

You might know Biosil from having seen it endorsed by Christy Brinkley in various print ads and in-store. Aside from the celebrity support, Biosil is a quality product that helps the body do what it’s supposed to do only; more effectively. It is a clinically proven formula featuring a patented complex of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA®) that enhances collagen, elastin, and keratin synthesis in the body; all structural proteins required for healthy skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, and joints.

Not only does Biosil stimulate the production of these key structural proteins, but it also protects existing collagen and elastin from being damaged as a result of aging, lackluster diet, or other lifestyle factors. It’s also worth noting that orthosilicic acid is the biologically active form of silicon, while choline is an essential nutrient that neutralizes collagen-destroying homocysteine and helps regulate cortisol (a key stress hormone). When combined, these two compounds stabilize each other for optimal absorption into collagen-producing cells. Biosil is conveniently available in either caps or liquid form, with 1 drop or 2 capsules being equivalent to 1 mg of silicon.

Enerex Bamboo Silica

Enerex’s bamboo silica is sourced from 100% pure organic sustainable bamboo shoot extract containing 70% organic silica by weight, which is over 10 times greater than that present in horsetail silica supplements, which only contain about 5 – 7% silica. Enerex’s Bamboo Silica is a high-potency blend of bamboo silica, the richest known source of natural silica. To further increase the effectiveness and utilization of silica by the body, 200 mg of natural calcium citrate was also added to the formula. This is a great advantage since calcium absorption in the bones and other areas is enhanced by the presence of silicon, which, like calcium, is also involved in normal bone development and maintenance.

Each Enerex Bamboo Silica vegetarian capsule contains 70 mg of silica and 40 mg of elemental calcium and is recommended at a rate of 2 capsules twice daily.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.

Author Bio

Roos Jonsin is a Canadian naturopath and researcher dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through education about vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements. Roos also consults with suppliers and manufacturers with product development and marketing. National Nutrition is Canada’s leading health & nutritional supplements store, also voted as the Best Health Food Store in Canada by the experts at Canadian Health Food Association.